Types of Handlebar Tape

Handlebar tape wraps around the exposed metal of a bicycle's handlebars, offering a protective layering while increasing the comfort level for the rider's grip. Different types of handlebar tapes range in price and style, and may be chosen due to a bicyclist's personal taste or according to necessity and maintenance.

  1. Cork Tape

    • Cork tape is a soft and comfortable handlebar tape used on many road bike styles. It is slightly cushioned, for shock absorption and comfortable grip. Though an old-school style, it is still regularly used on road bikes due to its inexpensive cost and adequate level of durability. It may need to be replaced more often than other types of tape if it tears or cracks. A roll of cork tape will cost between $10 and $20, depending on the brand.

    Cloth Tape

    • Twill and cotton are often the major components of cloth tape. One side of the tape has an adhesive that sticks to the metal of the handlebars, but the other side is very soft. Cloth tape fits tightly around handlebars, giving the appearance of very thin handlebars -- a retro style for bicycles. Since it is very pliable, it is also easy to perform the initial wrapping of handlebars with cloth tape. It is generally the most inexpensive type of tape, ranging between $5 and $10 for a roll.

    Ribbon Tape

    • The most comfortable of all types of handlebar tape is ribbon tape, which has the thickest padding. It often has a glossy sheen and comes in a wide variety of colors. Ribbon tape is durable due to its plastic surface, which offers exceptional protection against moisture from either sweat or rain. The ribbon is often made out of polyurethane, which creates the cushioning. Ribbon tape costs between $10 and $20, but does not need to be replaced often.

    Alternative Options

    • Depending on a cyclist's taste, there are a number of other less popular handlebar tape options. The most expensive type of tape is made of leather, which costs at least $50 per roll and can exceed $100, depending on the grade. On the other end of the price spectrum, some riders simply use recycled inner tubes from an old flat. There are many composite tapes made of rubber, gel or other materials.